My early bitter experience with the Police started when I was manhandled and dehumanized because I confronted the Police officers that were hell-bent in extorting a motorcyclist a.k.a okada rider.
My hatred for the Police grew worse when the Police seized and impounded my bike without any trace or way of bailing it out.
I would later go on to live in a Police barracks when a senior Police officer gave me a bedroom space so I could live closer to my place of work. This act of kindness gave me a good impression of the Police and I thought to myself, “maybe they are not all that bad.”
My journey with the Police shifted from that of fear, suspicion, and division to one of empathy and understanding.
My views and experience with the Police have made a more positive dimension through exposure I am getting from the Trustbuilding Program- Police I Care Initiative. This initiative highlights to me the power of empathy, understanding and proactive communication in building trust between myself and the Police. I now understand the act of story telling and sharing instances where officers took responsibility for their actions, admitted mistakes, and worked towards building trust, which serves as a model for more open accountable practices.
By sharing these stories, I hope to inspire others to recognize that change is possible, and it should start from within oneself.